Soroti Hospital Faces Capacity Crisis Amid Severe Staff Shortages

Soroti Regional Referral Hospital is grappling with a severe understaffing crisis, operating at just 23% of its approved capacity. The facility, which serves the Teso sub-region, has only 238 employees out of a required 1,231, leaving a significant gap, especially in specialist positions where only 15 out of 157 roles are filled.

Financial constraints have historically hampered recruitment efforts, according to Senior Human Resource Officer Mr. Denis Katindha. Despite repeated submissions for more staff, the hospital often operates with the available wage bill. However, the Ministry of Public Service has now cleared the recruitment of 121 new personnel this financial year.

The staffing deficit is compounded by transfers and the failure of newly hired medical professionals to report for duty, leaving departments like radiology without specialists. Mr. Katindha noted that many professionals negotiate postings to preferred locations and bypass Soroti.

Hospital Director Dr. Benedicto Watmon highlighted that specialists are crucial for technical oversight and the provision of specialized services. While the wage bill has seen an increase, delayed disbursement of funds has prevented full utilization.

In addition to recruitment challenges, the hospital is tackling internal issues like staff absenteeism. A damaged biometric attendance system led to a reliance on manual logs, which were reportedly abused. A new biometric system is being installed to improve accountability.

To address absenteeism, management has withheld salaries for a consultant physician and an associate consultant physician pending their explanation for poor attendance. Hospital leadership remains hopeful that the new recruitments and improved attendance tracking will enhance service delivery.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)